Tessa and Rhys’s wedding day was what modern fairy tales are made of. It was a day of lively celebration and love, all brought together in their special way.
Set in a grand marquee on the couple’s land, a wedded wonderland was created for the high school sweethearts who honoured their love, their culture and their religion in a very contemporary way.
Bride
The Bride, Tessa wore a romantic princess gown with a beaded lace, fitted bodice featuring off the shoulder straps and a sweet heart neckline.
The skirt on the wedding dress was ballroom style made from layers upon layers of champagne and ivory tulle which featured lace applique and beading detail. The finest of shimmering sequins were placed between layers of tulle giving the dress an extra helping of fairy tale qualities.
What Tessa said about her dress, “It was the first dress I picked out at Belle et Blanc Boutique and the second dress I tried on. It was the skirt! It’s so pretty and has tiny iridescent sequins that just danced in the light. I wish I could wear it every single day!”
Tessa’s dress was one of those dresses that really makes an entrance and is breath taking by nature. With all the glorious detail and drama it was a magazine-worthy, enchanting and whimsical show stopper.
Tessa’s hair was styled out with her cathedral veil placed at the top of her head. Tessa wore jewellery by the brand she works for, selecting pieces from the Francesca wedding collection. Her statement earrings were beautiful foliage shaped diamond-look earrings that suspended 6cms in a sparkling flower chain formation.
As a nod to her soon to be married name, the Bride’s handbag was embossed with her new initials.
The Bridesmaids wore elegant floor length dresses in a stormy, pastel purple hue. Each bridesmaid chose a different style, one wore a halter neck and the other opting for a V cut with shoe string straps. Their hair was effortlessly refined, pared back from their faces with their gold Francesca hoop and pearl earrings making the perfect statement.
The bride carried a bouquet of classic pastel pink and white roses and the bridesmaids carried all white rose bouquets.
Tessa had an entourage of five flower girls who melted hearts wearing white dresses with tulle skirts and carrying posies of baby’s breath.
Groom
Groom Rhys and his Groomsmen wore grey suits with white shirts and stone blue ties.
The Ceremony
The sign at the entrance to the marquee set the loving and accepting tone for the day reading, “Come as you are, stay as long as you can, we’re all family here, so no seating plan”.
Once inside the marquee, Tessa and Rhys’s 180 guests were whisked into an enchanted world with a stunning white canopy of sweeping drapery and fairy lights. Taking a seat in rows of walnut bentwood chairs they eagerly awaited the wedding ceremony.
Father Brian Nichols led a traditional Catholic ceremony appointing the devoted couple Husband and Wife.
Once the formality of the ceremony was over the marquee became a hive of celebrations with guests treated to canapes and feasting on a grazing table teeming with fruit, meats and treats.
A cannoli and crostoli bar was a mouth-watering option loved by all the guests. It felt extra special knowing the bride along with family and friends had made the delicious treats in the lead up to the wedding day and it was a thoughtful nod to Tessa’s Italian heritage.
Outside a jumping castle was the main attraction for the children and at one point the Bride and Groom couldn’t resist the inflatable fun either, making an appearance, jumping around and having an absolute blast.
To finish the day the couple had their first dance with guests wrapping them in colourful streamers of celebration.
All good things must come to an end so to say farewell to the bride and groom, a guard of honour was made as the newlyweds ran under the arms of their guests through a tunnel of love.
Through The Lens
(What I’ll always remember about Tessa & Rhys’s day)
Wow, what a wedding! I loved capturing every minute of Tessa and Rhys’s day.
From the location, the marquee and the food nothing was overlooked… every wedding detail was approached with purpose and thoughtfulness.
Spending my day with the couple made it easy to see they are loving, genuine, and caring people. I wasn’t at all surprise when they gave beautiful gifts to each of the flower girls (Francesca jewellery of course). It was just one of the many moments that showcased their kind hearts.
The wedding brought some emotional tears but also so much joy and laughter. A particularly beautiful moment was the speech given by the Father Of The Bride. Delivered in English and Italian, it was heartfelt and touching.
Thank you, Tessa and Rhys for choosing me to capture your modern fairy tale wedding. I smiled the whole day and you made me feel like one of the guests. I had a blast.
-Sarah
Minster: Father Brian Nichols
Preparation: Mona Pavilions
Wedding Dress: Belle et Blanc Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids Dress: Asos
Suits: Les Lees
Wedding Rings: Francesca & Michael Hill
Florist: Flora & Gondwana
Make Up Artist: Sarah Lewer
Hair Stylist: Nat from Invidia Hair & Vin from The Pure Boutique
Heels: Mi Piaci
Accessories: Francesca Collections
Cake: Cakes by Kalli
